RASC eNews

RASC eNews

The last day you can register on-line for Astronomy Roundup 2007 is Monday, June 11. You will be able to register on-site in Calgary when the conference begins (cash and traveller's cheques only) and optional items may not be available.

Hamilton Centre's banquet is fast approaching! You can still purchase tickets or reserve seats to be paid at the door by contacting Centre President John Williamson (john DOT williamson AT sympatico DOT ca).

Thanks to RASC volunteers, Astronomy Week and International Astronomy Day 2007 put stars in the eyes of astronomers and others across the country. While the eastern half of the country enjoyed clear skies, clouds over the prairies and the west coast did not dampen enthusiasm for indoor exhibits and presentations.

If you are a lover of distant galaxies, you must be full of joy at this time of year. Stretching from the Bowl of Ursa Major all the down to the highly populated grouping known as the Virgo cluster, literally hundreds of galaxies are available for your choosing. Depending on the light gathering power of your telescope, some might be out of your viewing range. But do not fret; there is a nice combo of semi bright and extremely faint grey smudges to choose from.

RASC members from Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa, Kitchener-Waterloo and Niagara are being featured in the tenth annual CONTACT photography festival which opens today in Toronto. A total of 20 outstanding astroimages, selected by SkyNews Editor Terence Dickinson, will be on display in the Great Hall of the Ontario Science Centre until May 31st. A special presentation focusing on astrophotography is planned as part of the official opening on May 9th.

In addition to all the usual events at a GA, this year's Astronomy Roundup will have five 1/2-day paper sessions presented by more than 35 professional and amateur astronomers.

The Friday paper session kicks off with a talk from Dr. Jaymie Matthews on the MOST satellite and what it teaches us about variable stars. The afternoon will continue with more talks about observing variable stars and ends with brief teaser presentations describing the poster papers that are available for viewing throughout the weekend.

LONGUEUIL, QC, April 24 /CNW Telbec/ - When a mission to Mars is being developed, mission planners must consider many factors. Space technology advances, scientific needs and objectives, how to deal with distance, communications delays, and landing through the thin Martian atmosphere-all this must converge into a useful, workable mission concept. Canadian companies and researchers are part of an international drive to respond to these and other challenges.

Congratulations are in order for Chris Gainor, member of the Victoria Centre and former National Council representative who has recently published a new book entitled: Canada In Space: The People & Stories behind Canada's Role in the Exploration of Space.

Canada In Space follows the inventions and people that helped catapult Canada beyond Earth's skies. From the Avro Arrow and early Canadian inventions like the Alouette I to modern day shuttle missions with Canadian astronauts including Julie Payette, Chris Hadfield and Marc Garneau.

With spring now upon us, nature is joyfully coming out of hibernation. Warmer weather settles in as animals such as the bear awaken from their winter slumber. Just like its shaggy hair cousin, the great celestial bear is up and about in northern skies. Even though it is circumpolar meaning it never sets, the Big Dipper in nicely overhead all night long.

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) will be a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, stimulating worldwide interest not only in astronomy, but in science in general, with a particular slant towards young people. IYA2009 will mark Galileo Galilei’s first use of the telescope for astronomical observations, and will portray astronomy as a peaceful global scientific endeavour that unites astronomers in an international, multicultural family of scientists working together to find answers to some of the most fundamental questions that humanity has ever asked.